The spotlights are on, the stages have been cleared and the footy is muted, because AHA NSW is once again on the lookout for the State’s best pub music act.
Nominations are now open for the AHA NSW Rockin’ the Puburbs competition which returns for its fifth year – with a brand-new format and $15,000 in prize money for the lucky winners.
Entries are open to any NSW-based pub act which performs at least one song of original material. This year a panel of industry experts will select the top performers to battle it out at the live Grand Final at one of Sydney’s most iconic live music stages – Selina’s, Coogee Bay Hotel on 28 August 2025.
AHA NSW CEO John Whelan said live music has been an important feature of NSW pubs for decades.
“NSW pubs host more than 75,000 live performances each and every year and many of our greatest bands got their start down at the local,” said Mr Whelan
“Local pubs have really embraced the Minns Government’s vibrancy reforms, with more pubs now hosting live music.”
“This competition is our way of recognising how much value live music can add to a great hotel and a way to give the next generation of local talent a leg up.”
Minister for Music and the Night-Time Economy John Graham said pubs have long been at the heart of our live music scene in NSW, providing a stage in every community for bands and artists to find or grow an audience.
“Whether it is AC/DC or Amyl and the Sniffers, pubs are where our best acts learned their trade,” he said.
“The NSW Government is offering up to two hours extended trading for those venues that feature live music. This has helped spark a music revival with pubs at its centre. From a low of 133 live music venues, we now have 435 around the state with music on their stages.”
The winner will receive $15,000 cash plus a support gig at a Noisy Group Venue and an interview on Triple M’s Homegrown. Nominations close on 30 June with finalists to be announced on 31 July, visit www.rockinthepuburbs.com.au for more info.
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